So you have rolled out a new plan... now what?
How can you ensure the motivation lasts and the change sticks?
Just like politics and the presidency - the first 100 days is everything...
In order to see sustainable results over the first 100 days you must:
1. Over communicate the vision, plan or strategy again, again and again. Your team can't win if they're not amazingly clear on what they are aiming for- the vision. Clarifying vision should be done weekly in 1:1's, team meetings, emails, a weekly blog and/or v-log (video blog) from the leadership in the company. This is the inspiration, pace and frequency they need. Communication is the response you get back in action, not what people say.
2. Create SHORT-term success! Most presidents try to take on too much without creating momentum first. I won't mention any names but we have witnessed this phenomenon recently. As an old sage once said, "Don't take an action to create a result, take an action to create a habit... and let the habit create the results."
3. Don't declare victory too soon. Remember it's a marathon, not a sprint. Its easy for the human condition to feel like they are at the high point after the "kick-off" meeting. This is not the high, but only the beginning.
4. Keep moving forward - no matter what. It's easy to second guess the strategy or plan, but in reality it now comes down to mindset and the actual execution. Some companies get caught in the weeds of the unknown soon after the kick-off meeting because they believe they need all the details. When in fact - 70% of the details will do just fine. Don't let perfect ruin good.
5. Make it hurt! If the day after you workout you are not sore, stiff and hurt... then you haven't pushed your self to the edge. You didn't grow. The same holds true in your first 100 days. If the plan or strategy is truly different, you should be uncomfortable daily and notice it. Remember change is inevitable, progress is not.
You can always adjust as you go. But as my father-in-law says - "always time to do it over, never time to do it right!"
As a leader you must set the standard, defy the odds, remove the obstacles and lead by example in the first 100 days.
This will set the tone for the rest of the year.
Be YOUR Best,
Joe
